‘But how do I get my protein’s from on a vegan diet’?
I get this question so often and its always the same answer,
‘The same place your protein get’s its protein from’.
Now it’s not news that animals don’t make their own proteins. Animals feed on plants and thus get their proteins. So when you are eating animals, you are getting the proteins that was synthesised by plants in the first place.
Protein is essential for many critical processes, including, improved immune function, cellular structure, and growth. As a result, getting enough protein on a daily basis is critical.
Protein is from a variety of food sources, including plants and animals. Some argue that the source of the protein, whether animal or plant, makes no difference. Others argue that one type of protein is better than the other.
Does the source of protein matter?
Protein should account for 10% to 35% of your total daily calorie consumption. The daily protein allowance is 0.36 grams per pound of body weight. According to this rule of thumb, a 150-pound adult should consume 54 grams of protein per day.
With a little forethought, you can meet your daily protein requirements with plant or animal protein.
Beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, quinoa, leafy green vegetables, and whole grains are all plant protein sources.
Meat, eggs, and milk are animal protein sources.
For a long time, it was though that plant’s are a not complete protein source. This was because proteins are made of building blocks called amino acids. There are 22 different kinds of amino acids, 9 of which are said to be ‘essential’, meaning, the body does not produce them. Essential amino acids were only thought to be present in animals. But this myth has been busted multiple times before. Watch this video to understand more:
It is not only enough to know that plant’s are a complete protein source, it is also important to understand that plant based proteins are free of saturated fats and cholesterol. Thus, reducing the risk of heart diseases, diabetes and auto immune diseases.
What does science say?
Plant-based protein’s are high in nutrients, fibre, and antioxidants. All these benefit your overall health. For example, a meta-analysis of eight studies discovered that people who ate a plant-based protein diet were 30% less likely to die from ischemic heart disease than people who ate meat.
Additionally, saturated fats, hema- iron, and artificial hormones are lower in plant-based diets than in animal-based diets.
Further, eating a plant-based diet also carries a lowers the risk of cancer as plants contain phytochemicals. Additionally, plant-based diets are fibre-rich. This helps in weight loss, better gut health, and prevents obesity.
Meta-analysis comparing people who eat animal versus plant proteins have consistently found that, even after controlling for other influential factors such as socioeconomic class, weight, and exercise habits, those who eat plants live longer, healthier lives.
According to another study of over 100,000 people, eating unprocessed and processed red meat has been linked to a shorter lifespan.
Eating one more serving of unprocessed red meat per day raises your risk of death by 13%. Eating one more serving of processed red meat raises your risk of death by 20%.
Plant-based diets are not only good for your health, but they are also good for the environment. Plant protein production generally requires less land and water than animal protein production.
If we take a long-term approach, it's obvious that getting protein from plants would be healthier . A healthy plant-based diet includes plenty of leafy greens, whole grains, pulses and nuts. It is sufficient in proteins and other micronutrients for longevity.
Trust this helps,